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Chapel Hill Winery in McLaren Vale was built on the site of the Seaview Chapel and school house. The 1865 ironstone Chapel still proudly stands today and is an integral feature of the tasting room. Planting of the vineyard commenced in 1972 and the first vintage was in 1975. Perched on the edge of the spectacular Onkaparinga Gorge, shallow rocky soils are a feature with sweeping views back over McLaren Vale and Gulf St Vincent.

“The purity and balance expressed in our wines is inspired by a deep respect for our land and vines.” Michael Fragos.

Steady rainfall through June and July filled the soil profile and the earliest varieties commenced budburst in mid August. A warm start to September with most vines passing through budburst in the first week of September. Flowering began in early November but continued over an extended period due to the cooler than usual conditions followed by one of the driest December on record.

McLaren Vale experienced ideal ripening conditions throughout February and March – warm daytime and cool night-time temps, moderate relative humidity, minimal rain and no heat waves. The warm dry conditions meant minimal disease issues, the grapes achieved physiological ripeness and were able to be harvested and taken into the winery at the optimal time. The resulting wines are vibrant, with bright fruit flavours, supple tannins and lovely natural acidity.